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CEO Notes

Essential updates on national and regional industry news, strategic priorities, and advocacy efforts from Kelly Higginson, Restaurants Canada President & CEO. 

CEO Notes

Restaurants Canada officially kicked off its 80th anniversary celebrations at RC Show 2024

Restaurants Canada officially kicked off its 80th anniversary celebrations at RC Show 2024, and this year’s theme, “LEVEL UP,” couldn’t have been timelier. We live in an era where innovation is not just a buzzword but a necessity. The past…

CEO Notes

It’s show time!

It is that time of year again when we get to be a part of bringing the industry together—and what a force this industry is! Our powerful sector has evolved dramatically over the years:   While things have been busy…

CEO Notes

We are urging the government to bring back the Destination Employment Program

As highlighted in our members update late last week, Ministers Miller and Boissonnault made changes to temporary resident levels which reduces the maximum percentage of restaurant operators’ workforce through the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) for low-wage positions from 30…

CEO Notes

A BIG win for our industry; Federal government caps alcohol excise tax at 2%!

A BIG win for our industry; Federal government caps alcohol excise tax at 2%! I was grateful to receive a call from Minister of Small Business, Rechie Valdez on Saturday morning informing me about the decision by the Federal government to maintain the…

CEO Notes

The foodservice sector is grappling with nearly 100,000 job vacancies

We are deeply concerned for our Atlantic Canada restaurants following the recent severe snowstorm. This extreme and historic weather event has not only disrupted operations but also imposed significant challenges for restaurant owners, staff, and patrons alike.

CEO Notes

We are deeply disappointed with the federal government’s refusal to extend the CEBA loan timeline.

We are all deeply disappointed with the federal government’s refusal to extend the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayment timeline. Despite our intensive lobbying and discussions with policymakers, and the clear consequences for so many, we were not granted…

CEO Notes

We are not asking for funding; we’re just asking for more time

The January 18th Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayment deadline is only days away and Restaurants Canada continues to urgently request the federal government to extend the deadline, emphasizing the severe impact on the foodservice industry.  We are not…

CEO Notes

The 2024 Advocacy Strategy is Underway and Up First is Profitability

I hope you were able to find some down time over the holidays after what is always a hectic time of year for the restaurant industry. As we move into the new year, you can be certain the Restaurants Canada…

CEO Notes

CEBA: What to do next.

As we near the end of the year, the sensation of accelerating time urges us to contemplate our journey, applaud our accomplishments and anticipate fresh starts. While the arrival of the new year typically sparks resolutions for self-improvement and renewal,…

CEO Notes

January 18th marks an important milestone regarding your CEBA loan repayment.

Despite our best, prolonged efforts, I am sorry to report that the Federal government has given us a hard NO to a CEBA extension. The brutal truth is, given Parliament is rising for the Christmas break soon, there is very…